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Post by lowlou on Aug 20, 2024 11:17:23 GMT -6
All the recent RGO microphone discussions reactivated my desire to get VERY VERY good microphones for my to-be-reactivated-singing-habbits.
Should I sell my Brauner Phantera and buy something more expensive or will I regret it 'till the end of time ?
A buyer wants it for 1,4K€ ! Money I could use.
About buying new microphones, I was thinking : one microphone for background vocals, one microphone for lead vocals. At a later stage, maybe finance several more options to accomodate different songs and allow other singers to work with me. The Brauner Phantera is my only microphone. My father gave it to me 12 years ago. It's a nice mic but I have nothing to compare it to. It's "ok" on my voice I guess, but I'm sure there are other mics out there that could work better. I've been reading about and considering : -the Neumann U67 RI (or maybe the Beesneez clone, but not too keen on having 4 mics in one, sounds like a source of permanent doubt) -the Soyuz 017 Tube -the Neumann M49V (or one of the clones made by Beesneez, the Tribute 4 or BM49) -the Chandler Redd Microphone -the Beesneez C12 clone (Tribute 5) (but I'll wait until they revamp the look because I don't like the old logo) -the Beesneez ELA M251 clone (Tribute 2 or BN251, honestly don't quite understand the Beesneez product ranges differenciations) -the U47 clone (the NordicAudioLabs NU47-V3S (I'm impressed) or the Beesneez Tribute 1 (heard it on youtube, sounds good too) On the more modern side of the spectrum, there are Manleys and the big Brauners (VM1, VMX, VMA) ---------- - I make programmed electronic music, and the sound is inevitably "modern". Drum machines, saturated synths. For a lead vocal, maybe I need elevated highs, and not necessarily heaps of lows... I don't think ribbon mics would cut thru a mix in this style of music. ---------- Here are modern songs with singers that I like (some I'm obsessed with) : ---------- Ideally I'd like to get one mic for BGVs and one mic for lead vocals. BGV mic should naturally slip behind a bit. Lead mic should naturally occupy the frontstage. ---------- So I wonder what could work for my voice once I integrate it back again in my tracks and train it like I used to do. Attached are two reprise we recorded for fun a good few years ago with my brother (him the guitar, me the singing), as gifts for our mother's birthdays. It's raw, unmixed, tracked in 2 hours max. "Beatles reprise-001" guitar and vocals are recorded with the Phantera. Behind blue eyes is recorded in one take on a crappy mini Olympus. Hopefully it gives you an idea of what my voice sounds like, and what mic could suit it.
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Post by chessparov on Aug 20, 2024 11:34:59 GMT -6
I'll try again later. Couldn't open the MP3's. FWIW giving Ben a direct call... Has always been a learning experience. (And a pleasure) IIRC you can also text him at his cell phone number. But my Bad Dad Jokes are somewhat more effective yacking.* You can Geek out with Ben. Even on the_shape_of a microphone. I'm best singing on top of an flat surfaced-ahem  - microphone area... For example. Ala BU67* (or U67) etc. That's dependent on Voice Type/Registers/Keys. Chris *I was stunned first hearing Ben's Rich Baritone voice. Modest guy. Interesting how Slate and Joshua have fine voices too.  |
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Post by lowlou on Aug 20, 2024 11:58:31 GMT -6
Many RGO regulars are remarkable singers. I doubt my english is apt to sustain long microphone talks with mic gurus  . But maybe I could write to him. That I can do. |
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Post by chessparov on Aug 20, 2024 12:06:51 GMT -6
Hey I'm an American still learning English. I was a "card carrying" So Cal Surfer. We say "Gnarly" or "Totally" a lot. So I totally understand. Chris P.S. You probably speak better English, than the average American Teenager. |
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Post by lowlou on Aug 20, 2024 12:34:03 GMT -6
You're too kind ! |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Aug 20, 2024 20:37:39 GMT -6
Hey I'm an American still learning English. I was a "card carrying" So Cal Surfer. We say "Gnarly" or "Totally" a lot. So I totally understand. Chris P.S. You probably speak better English, than the average American Teenager. Whoooo Dude! |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Aug 20, 2024 20:40:24 GMT -6
Many RGO regulars are exceptional singers. I doubt my english is apt to sustain long microphone talks with mic gurus . But maybe I could write to him. That I can do. Ben is pretty kind and understanding, plus in this day and age texting and Google translate! Besides I have never noticed a problem with your English! Also the only reason Brauner has fell out of fashion is they no longer exist. |
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Post by aremos on Aug 20, 2024 20:52:53 GMT -6
Should I sell my Brauner Phantera ... ? NO!
... will I regret it 'till the end of time ?
YES! |
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Post by drumsound on Aug 20, 2024 21:08:36 GMT -6
Many RGO regulars are exceptional singers. I doubt my english is apt to sustain long microphone talks with mic gurus . But maybe I could write to him. That I can do. Ben is pretty kind and understanding, plus in this day and age texting and Google translate! Besides I have never noticed a problem with your English! Also the only reason Brauner has fell out of fashion is they no longer exist. This is something to consider. There won't be more of the mic you already own. I, generally, live in the camp or by additional pieces, keep the ones you already have. |
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Post by reddirt on Aug 20, 2024 21:21:55 GMT -6
The Brauner should be a good mic ; I'm thinking you are stabbing in the dark, possibly don't have a heap of experience with a variety of mics and are thus likely to spend a lot just searching.
I would find a studio with a great mic locker and record ourself using potential purchases as well as the Brauner. Spend perhaps only $200 and walk away with valuable knowledge.
I know "rabbit holes" from having "wallet hole' experiences.
Cheers, Ross
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Post by lowlou on Aug 21, 2024 2:22:28 GMT -6
True, I should visit local studios more often. My dealer used to have all the Microtech Gefell, but not anymore.
Meanwhile, I'm considering a Voxorama lol.
>> Is this still la crème de la crème ?
I'm thinking the Phantera could actually work for BGV, for it is a bit dark and soft on my voice (reprise001 MP3).
Nobody listened to the MP3s and thought : "oh ok, he fits microphones "w" "x" "y" and "z" ?"
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Post by lowlou on Aug 21, 2024 2:32:58 GMT -6
I'll try again later. Couldn't open the MP3's. FWIW giving Ben a direct call... Has always been a learning experience. (And a pleasure) IIRC you can also text him at his cell phone number. But my Bad Dad Jokes are somewhat more effective yacking.* You can Geek out with Ben. Even on the_shape_of a microphone. I'm best singing on top of an flat surfaced-ahem - microphone area... For example. Ala BU67* (or U67) etc. That's dependent on Voice Type/Registers/Keys. Chris *I was stunned first hearing Ben's Rich Baritone voice. Modest guy. Interesting how Slate and Joshua have fine voices too. Are you using a BU67 yourself ? Have you tried some of the U47 clones ? |
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Post by paulcheeba on Aug 21, 2024 6:12:04 GMT -6
True, I should visit local studios more often. My dealer used to have all the Microtech Gefell, but not anymore. Meanwhile, I'm considering a Voxorama lol. >> Is this still la crème de la crème ? I'm thinking the Phantera could actually work for BGV, for it is a bit dark and soft on my voice (reprise001 MP3). Nobody listened to the MP3s and thought : "oh ok, he fits microphones "w" "x" "y" and "z" ?" Like anything valuable in life; if you don't need to sell it - don't. I have many regrets at selling very collectable items one was the best NOS U47 I've ever heard. I have 8 Brauner's and 3 of them are Phantera's, they are such handy little LDC's as they sound so good and they only need phantom power. You can do a good demo very quickly while inspiration strikes. I gave one to my son to use and he loves it. I really like your voice, I think it's very cool and classic. Not sure about the belch at the end, but why have you not been using your talents? Have you been wasting your time on gear and forums like the rest of us? Ha Ha. I think any of the big 5 mics would sound good on you but I would try a Beesneez BU67 which is 4 mics in 1 and is not expensive so you would have 2 cool mics with lots of tones to use. A Soyuz 017 fet or tube would also sound great but is a little smoother. Plus maybe another Brauner Phantera at some point for stereo stuff. Make sure you have 2 Phanteras with the same capsule as they changed to in-house ones. Or you can use 2 different mics on a guitar. I just like stereo pairs. But when a voice sounds as good as yours naturally does, most mics will work. |
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Post by lowlou on Aug 21, 2024 7:48:21 GMT -6
Thank you so much Paul for the big confidence boost !
Ok I probably won't sell the Phantera then.
Plus, it could actually work for BGV now that I think about it...
BU67, Soyuz, thanks again for these recommendations.
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Would a U47 work on my voice you think ? This is a hard one to try.
A french "gear friend" (the second best thing after a girl friend) is selling his VoxOrama (I saw you have one Paul). I read amazing things about the Voxorama on the 2010 purple site.
The Nordic Audio Labs NU-47V3S emulates a 1953 U47 with modern SS component ; "realios/Pendulum style analog emulations", but for mics ? Interesting. "Alien technology", says the engineer behind the NU-47V3S.
I overfocus on the U47 because it's such a legend. There are incredible archived discussions on Gearspace about it, the Voxorama, the Wagner etc.
Fascinating to say the least ! I don't know if a U47 would fit my voice but it sounds so damn good in this video (the vintage U67 is excellent too).
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Out of the blue, I like microphones now.
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Post by aremos on Aug 21, 2024 8:50:55 GMT -6
... I'm thinking the Phantera could actually work for BGV, for it is a bit dark and soft on my voice ... Brauner mics are some of the finest ever made! Get to know your instrument & make sure your CHAIN is not giving you the wrong impressions. Phantera is NOT a "dark" mic. |
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Post by paulcheeba on Aug 21, 2024 8:59:15 GMT -6
I tend to think of 47's for lower ranges than yours but I used to record Skye with a U47 and she liked it. A lot of female singers I've worked with are mic shy and they don't like bright mics but they like 47's or maybe Ribbons and Manley Silvers. I think your tone may get lost on a 47 and Voxorama's are good but they aren't tube mics and the real tubes are 5000 now.
I think a 67 would suit your range but borrow the Voxorama and see if you like it. Thom Yorke uses a Soyuz now. Freddie Mercury used a Silver 414. You have to play to your strengths not your fantasies.
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Post by chessparov on Aug 21, 2024 11:16:02 GMT -6
Freddie Mercury, Bruno Mars, and Venus Williams walked into the same Bar.* But they didn't planet! "Out of the blue, I like microphones now"-Lowlou So does Jeff Lynne/ELO Chris *Ouch! |
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Post by chessparov on Aug 21, 2024 11:28:09 GMT -6
I'll try again later. Couldn't open the MP3's. FWIW giving Ben a direct call... Has always been a learning experience. (And a pleasure) IIRC you can also text him at his cell phone number. But my Bad Dad Jokes are somewhat more effective yacking.* You can Geek out with Ben. Even on the_shape_of a microphone. I'm best singing on top of an flat surfaced-ahem - microphone area... For example. Ala BU67* (or U67) etc. That's dependent on Voice Type/Registers/Keys. Chris *I was stunned first hearing Ben's Rich Baritone voice. Modest guy. Interesting how Slate and Joshua have fine voices too. Are you using a BU67 yourself ? Have you tried some of the U47 clones ? Well I have a BZ BU67 and also a "small body" Elly Studio (47 FET Style). Over the years... I sang/tried a number of 47 Tube and FET Styles. My two Faves (both Tube/FET) period.., Are the Beesneez and Heiserman. But... It's taken around 4 months for my Voice to heal. After my Prostate reduction surgery in mid April. I had NO idea it would affect my Speaking and Singing Voice THAT much. Takes longer to warm up now. Plus more water Hydration than expected. Good news is I'm slightly ahead vocally now than Pre-Op! Countertenor became more important lately/locally... As I'm singing more High Harmony parts. As effectively a Coloratura Soprano! (think early/mid 60's Brian Wilson) So... Testing out microphones in that Register, became more important. One more thing to Nerd out on. BU67 is one of the Soulmates on my normal Voice. Now what was that question? LOL! Chris P.S. Love the 47 FET Style on quick setup VO and weird Character Voices. (BU67 is awesome on VO BTW) The Vanguards are also Top Shelf in quality. |
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Post by lowlou on Aug 21, 2024 12:30:33 GMT -6
@ aremos : without any treatment in post the Phantera makes my voice sound a bit jazzy to me that's all, but it captures all the highs you're right. Maybe even too much in the context of a home studio (or a plain bedroom at the time of the recordings). @ Paul : The U47 is the mic my brother should use, he's an octave below me. I'll have him buy it. Done. In front of a bright mic I become a shy bugger too. I'm very afraid of sibilances. Even in everyday life my "esses" make me crazy ! But I'll have to try a 251 and a C12 one day. The C12, I loved every demos of it. It just sounds so "right" somehow. Same capsule as the C414 Silver, funny that. Ok. The U67 circuit handles sibilances very well I read, which is a big plus. chessparov : I've heard the Beesneez Tribute one on several well recorded and sung demos online and it's a beautiful, beautiful sound indeed. Heiserman, I need to investigate. Is there some BU67 audio demos available ? I should know soon... Congrats on the newly reached octaves . "Relax, take it eaaaaaaaaasy". |
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Post by notneeson on Aug 21, 2024 13:47:30 GMT -6
True, I should visit local studios more often. My dealer used to have all the Microtech Gefell, but not anymore. Meanwhile, I'm considering a Voxorama lol. >> Is this still la crème de la crème ? I'm thinking the Phantera could actually work for BGV, for it is a bit dark and soft on my voice (reprise001 MP3). Nobody listened to the MP3s and thought : "oh ok, he fits microphones "w" "x" "y" and "z" ?" Like anything valuable in life; if you don't need to sell it - don't. I have many regrets at selling very collectable items one was the best NOS U47 I've ever heard. I have 8 Brauner's and 3 of them are Phantera's, they are such handy little LDC's as they sound so good and they only need phantom power. You can do a good demo very quickly while inspiration strikes. I gave one to my son to use and he loves it. I really like your voice, I think it's very cool and classic. Not sure about the belch at the end, but why have you not been using your talents? Have you been wasting your time on gear and forums like the rest of us? Ha Ha. I think any of the big 5 mics would sound good on you but I would try a Beesneez BU67 which is 4 mics in 1 and is not expensive so you would have 2 cool mics with lots of tones to use. A Soyuz 017 fet or tube would also sound great but is a little smoother. Plus maybe another Brauner Phantera at some point for stereo stuff. Make sure you have 2 Phanteras with the same capsule as they changed to in-house ones. Or you can use 2 different mics on a guitar. I just like stereo pairs. But when a voice sounds as good as yours naturally does, most mics will work. I don't have Paul's killer resume (or gear) but allow me to plus one. I own a BU67 and have used the 67RI and a couple old m269s on vocals a bunch. Any of them would be great on your (excellent) voice and the BU67 is a STEAL at current pricing. |
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Post by chessparov on Aug 21, 2024 16:30:33 GMT -6
+1000. |
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Post by lowlou on Aug 21, 2024 16:37:38 GMT -6
Thanks Notneeson ! I wish the 269/67/NEW/OLD switches were on the power supply or accessible on the microphone body directly.
But yeah... I'll order one asap ! It seems like the U67 voicing is the way to go.
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Post by notneeson on Aug 21, 2024 20:51:49 GMT -6
Thanks Notneeson ! I wish the 269/67/NEW/OLD switches were on the power supply or accessible on the microphone body directly. But yeah... I'll order one asap ! It seems like the U67 voicing is the way to go. Set and forget. It'll be great. |
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Post by paulcheeba on Aug 22, 2024 13:36:47 GMT -6
Thanks Notneeson ! I wish the 269/67/NEW/OLD switches were on the power supply or accessible on the microphone body directly. But yeah... I'll order one asap ! It seems like the U67 voicing is the way to go. Set and forget. It'll be great. Yes it is easy and you’ll be glad that they are hidden. |
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Post by kcatthedog on Aug 22, 2024 14:46:05 GMT -6
Maybe I missed it, but what exactly do you want this new mike to do for your voice?
Accentuate something, reduce something ?
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- microphone area...
. 
